Fans Still Talking About Stabler Arrest

Chris Pollone/NBC 13
Published: June 10, 2008
Updated: June 10, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-- Like many places in Alabama Tuesday, Kenny Stabler's third arrest for driving under the influence was a hot topic at Dancer's Haircuts in Tuscaloosa.

“It's a serious matter. He's supposed to be a role model. He's an older gentleman and he's supposed to be in control of himself,” Johnny Dancer said as he gave a customer a trim.

Stabler was picked up early Sunday morning while driving on Highway 59 North in Robertsdale.

Police gave him a field sobriety test, but he refused a breath test.

Stabler was charged with DUI and reckless driving and released on $1000 bond.

Johnny Dancer says Stabler’s arrest might be a blessing in disguise.

“It's going to continue to go on and on, and letting him go without dealing with it properly is not going to solve the problem.”

Long time Tide fans say Stabler’s well-being is the most important thing.

“I think he should get some help and not be kicked to the curb. He's an older person and if he got some help I think he could be straightened out,” Tide fan Delma Jean Medders said.

Sports talk show host Paul Finebaum said Monday most callers wanted Stabler fired.

But Tuesday, they softened a bit.

“You're hearing 'We love Kenny, we want him to stay. He's done a bad thing. We want him to get help.' But as this story settles in, people are taking a deep breath and showing a lot more forgiveness,” Finebaum said.

Stabler is scheduled to appear in Robertsdale Municipal Court August 13th.

Right now, there's no word on whether he will be in the radio booth at Alabama this fall.